ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 during a ceremony at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.
The initiative aims to provide 100,000 laptops to outstanding students across Pakistan, reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the laptop scheme – originally launched in 2011 – has played a vital role in bridging the digital divide and enabling students to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world. He noted that around Rs50 billion have been spent on the programme since its inception, reflecting the government’s dedication to investing in education and innovation.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the initiative is not merely about distributing devices but about creating opportunities for the country’s young minds to connect globally, learn modern skills, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic progress. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continuing the project, stating that it would not hesitate to spend even Rs500 billion if required to ensure that every deserving student gains access to digital resources.
The prime minister emphasised that access to technology has become a fundamental requirement in modern education. The laptops, he said, would support students in remote learning, research, and skill development, thereby helping Pakistan build a digitally empowered workforce capable of meeting future challenges.
He urged educational institutions to play their role in promoting digital literacy and innovation, noting that the government’s youth-focused initiatives form part of a broader strategy to enhance productivity and innovation across all sectors.
The Youth Laptop Scheme, first introduced under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in 2011, has distributed thousands of laptops to students based on merit. The current phase marks its continued evolution under the 2025 plan, which seeks to equip the nation’s youth with modern tools to thrive in the global digital economy.